REA’s May Encore Auction was a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation, drawing in collectors from around the globe to partake in the frenzy of bidding wars and coveted vintage treasures. The auction, which wrapped up on a recent Sunday night, set the stage for a record-breaking event that showcased the allure of high-grade set building and the timeless appeal of classic baseball cards.
One of the key highlights of the auction was the fervor surrounding complete and near-complete classic baseball sets from the 1950s. Collectors clamored to acquire these sets known for their rarity and pristine condition, driving up the sales figures and setting new standards in the collectibles market. Leading the pack was a 1958 Topps near-complete set, missing just a single card, which commanded an impressive $126,000 price tag. Ranked #13 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.00, this set exemplified the meticulous standards collectors uphold for such compilations.
Not far behind was the sale of a 1957 Topps complete set, ranked #24 on the PSA Set Registry, also boasting a GPA of 8.00, fetching a remarkable $99,000. Additionally, the auction saw the sale of a 1959 Topps complete set, ranked #29 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.01, which changed hands for $72,000, further solidifying the trend of high-grade set building within the collectibles realm.
In a nod to the past, the auction also shone a spotlight on pre-war rarities that captivated collectors and set new records. One such standout lot was a 1909-1911 T206 Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder card with the elusive Uzit Back, graded PSA FAIR 1.5, which fetched a staggering $54,000, establishing a new record for its grade and back combination. Another notable sale was a 1933 R319 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth card, which sold for $30,000, setting a record price for its grade of VG-EX 4.
With over 3,600 items up for auction and more than 63,000 bids pouring in, the event generated nearly $1.8 million in sales, underscoring the fervent demand for these prized collectibles. Some of the other top performers included a 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, fetching $52,800, and a 1954 Topps #128 Hank Aaron Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, achieving $36,000.
Noteworthy mentions also included Mickey Mantle’s 1951 Bowman #253 Rookie card, a 1933 R319 Goudey #144 Babe Ruth card, a 1955 Topps #123 Sandy Koufax Rookie card, and a 1954 Topps #94 Ernie Banks Rookie card, each commanding impressive prices. Additionally, an unopened wax box of 1980-1981 Topps Basketball cards featuring Larry Bird and Magic Johnson rookies proved to be a popular lot, selling for $17,400.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed his delight at the auction’s success, recognizing the robust results and the resurgence of interest in high-grade set building. Dwyer’s optimism for the future was palpable as he hinted at exciting developments in upcoming events and the industry as a whole.
As the dust settles from the May Encore Auction, all eyes are now on REA’s upcoming events, including the June Encore Auction opening on June 13 and the larger-than-life Summer Catalog Auction commencing on July 23. Coinciding with the 44th annual National Sports Collectors Convention, REA will take center stage at Booth #6032, promising more thrilling opportunities for collectors and enthusiasts alike to indulge in the world of vintage treasures and collectibles.
